Keeping the Spark Alive: Building Intimacy in a Relationship
Most people go through several relationships that cause them to look back and wonder what state of mind they were in at the time. This makes finally finding the right person all the more satisfying.
However, as time passes, the “spark” that many couples had at the start dies out. So what can you do to stop that from happening? How can you create and maintain a healthy relationship centered around love and intimacy?
Keep reading to learn how to go about building intimacy in a relationship, as well as how to keep it from disappearing.
Make Communication a Priority
It may sound like a cliche, but one of the hallmarks of any solid relationship is excellent communication.
Communication means more than just talking to your partner. It means expressing how you feel if you’re upset about something, and so much more. It’s true that relationships involve letting little things go, but if something is weighing on you, express it.
Problems in relationships also start when people play emotional games with one another. If you give your partner the cold shoulder after they did something that offended you, both of you ultimately end up upset with one another. Always be honest and direct.
Exercise Together
People who make time to exercise enjoy many benefits, aside from just physical ones. Working out and staying active can help you be happier, less stressed, and delay some of the effects of aging on your mind and body. Why not enjoy all of those benefits with your partner?
If the two of you enjoy doing different exercises, it’s fine (and a good thing) to have your alone time. But working out together from time to time can also be fun.
A little friendly competition can help the two of you have more effective workouts while keeping things fun. It’s also a great chance to observe your partner’s body in its prime (hello, foreplay?).
Cook Together
Most couples have cooking down to a routine: one person is the chef, while the other cleans up afterward. In other cases, the better-skilled cook is the one who always prepares the meals. Regardless of what situation you have, make an effort to cook together sometime soon.
Working as a team with your partner is an effective way to keep the spark going. Creating a meal together, whether it’s mac and cheese or baked Alaska, will help the two of you feel connected.
Assign different roles: one person can chop while the other peels, so on and so forth. You’ll prepare meals faster, and you’re also guaranteed to have some laughs while doing so.
Learn Your Partner’s Love Language
Understanding your partner’s love language is one of the secrets to building and maintaining a healthy, intimate relationship.
The idea behind love languages is that everyone has a particular way that they express love and affection. The five types of love languages are words of affirmation, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch, and quality time. Some people may have two love languages!
Aside from being aware of your partner’s love language, you should also know what your own is. This will help you understand what makes you happy in a relationship, as well as what may lead you to feel unfulfilled.
Be Spontaneous
Routines are healthy in life, and that holds true in relationships, as well. However, sometimes what every relationship needs is a bit of spontaneity to shake things up.
Instead of watching TV together one night as you always do, why not take a drive somewhere? Whether you go downtown, to the beach, or just drive, the destination doesn’t matter, but the journey does.
For many couples, being spontaneous means going on trips together. When you travel with someone you care about, the two of you become closer as you experience new things together. It’s hard for a relationship to feel dull when you zipline through the jungles of Costa Rica together.
Make Time to Get Intimate
Another essential part of a healthy long-term relationship is sex. Regardless of whether or not physical touch is your love language, finding time to be with your partner in an intimate setting will help strengthen your relationship.
Aside from traveling and experiencing new things together, spontaneity should also extend to the bedroom. Don’t be afraid to try some new moves and shake things up. Communicate with your partner to make sure they’re okay, then have fun.
Sex not only helps strengthen your relationship, but it can also help you stay healthy. Check out Schwinnng.com article to learn about how sex can boost your testosterone levels.
Show Your Appreciation
It’s easy to take the little things for granted in a steady relationship. By working to appreciate your partner, you show them that you notice and value everything they do for you.
Find a way to appreciate your partner that’s in line with their love language. If they respond well to verbal admiration, simply telling them how much you value the things they do can be enough. If they like gifts, shop around for something special.
From time to time, you should also make a point to do things your partner enjoys that you don’t. If your partner wants to eat Chinese food but you would much rather eat Greek, compromise with them. It’ll make them happy, and they’ll end up appreciating you.
Never Stop Building Intimacy
No matter how long you’ve been with someone, you should always make building intimacy a priority. By following this guide and the points mentioned, you’ll be able to create and maintain a successful romantic relationship brimming with passion.
Do you now have a better understanding of what it takes to keep the passion going in a long-term relationship? If you do, take a moment to check out some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips.
